Darren Bent

Striker Darren Bent has been ruled out of England's midweek friendly against Hungary and could miss Sunderland 's opening game of the season at the weekend against Birmingham.

Bent was excellent for Sunderland last season and only narrowly missed out on World Cup selection.  Following England's feeble World Cup campaign, Fabio Capello has made widespread changes to his latest squad, including the addition of Bent.

However, a back problem prevented him from joining in with the rest of the squad and he has now been ruled out of Wednesday's friendly date with Hungary.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will be concerned as his star man now appears to face a race against time to be fit for the Black Cats' opening fixture of the season.